Not just the West criticizes China's National People's Congress. In China, too, its deputies are referred to as "hand-raisers" behind closed doors. President Xi now gives treatment to China's "parliament" with all kinds of ideological balancing acts. In his view, the People's Congress ensures broad participation of the population. And Xi gave Western democracies only bad marks.
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Shortly before the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow kicks off, the global energy crisis is hitting China particularly hard. The government is ramping up coal-fired power generation following blackouts across the country. At the same time, President Xi is announcing a massive program for solar and wind. How much longer is China able to rely on both – and still reach carbon neutrality by 2060? That will be one of the key questions of the climate conference.
By Christiane Kuehl
Taiwan cherishes its de facto independence – even if it refrains from formally declaring it. China's President Xi, meanwhile, is again calling for "peaceful reunification" and garnishes his offer with obvious threats. Their positions differ more than ever before.
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